Sea Freight from Xiamen to Hamburg
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Xiamen port to Hamburg. Comprehensive FCL and LCL container shipping solutions with reliable transit times and professional cargo handling throughout the journey.
Transit
30-35 days
Departures
Weekly departures
Why Sea Freight
Benefits of Sea Freight Shipping from Xiamen to Hamburg
Cost Effective
80-90% cheaper than air freight for bulk cargo
High Capacity
FCL and LCL options for any shipment size
Reliable Service
Weekly sailings from major carriers
Global Network
Direct routes to major ports worldwide
Ocean freight between Port of Xiamen and Port of Hamburg offers exceptional value for businesses shipping mid-priority cargo to Germany's largest port. This route provides access to over 15 major shipping lines including COSCO, MSC, and Maersk, giving you flexibility in scheduling and competitive pricing options. Port of Hamburg serves as the gateway to Central Europe, with excellent rail and road connections that can move your goods to major German cities like Berlin and Munich within 24 hours of arrival.
German customs authorities at Hamburg are highly efficient, processing standard shipments in 2-3 business days, which keeps your supply chain moving smoothly. The route handles diverse cargo types particularly well, from Xiamen's electronics and textiles to machinery components that German manufacturers depend on.
Route Highlights
30-35 days
Transit Time
Weekly departures
Sailing Frequency
<0.1%
Cargo Damage Rate
FCL & LCL
Container Options
Pricing Guide
Sea Freight Shipping Rates from Xiamen to Hamburg
Current sea freight rates from Xiamen to Hamburg in 2026 range from $1,800 to $2,400 per 20-foot container (TEU) and $2,600 to $3,200 per 40-foot container, depending on carrier and booking timing. Basic ocean freight covers port-to-port transport, but expect additional charges including bunker adjustment factor (BAF) of $180-220 per container, documentation fees around $75, and German customs clearance averaging $150-200. Terminal handling charges at Hamburg add approximately $280 per TEU to your total cost. Smart shippers reduce expenses by booking 2-3 weeks in advance, consolidating smaller shipments into full containers, and choosing flexible delivery windows during off-peak periods like late January through March.
Quick Rate Guide
20ft Container
Standard dry
$1,800-2,800
40ft Container
Standard dry
$2,400-4,200
LCL Shipment
Per cubic meter
$45-85/CBM
Additional Costs
Delivery Timeline
Transit Times for Sea Freight from Xiamen to Hamburg
Step 1
Cargo Loading
1-2 days
Container stuffing at origin
Step 2
Export Clearance
1-2 days
Documentation and customs
Step 3
Ocean Transit
15-25 days
Sailing to destination port
Step 4
Import Clearance
1-3 days
Customs inspection and release
Step 5
Final Delivery
1-5 days
Transport to final destination
Express
20-25 Days
Direct service with priority handling
Standard
25-35 Days
Regular service with full tracking
Economy
35-45 Days
Consolidated for maximum savings
Standard ocean transit from Port of Xiamen to Port of Hamburg typically takes 30-35 days, with vessels sailing through the Suez Canal route covering approximately 11,200 nautical miles. Premium services from carriers like Hapag-Lloyd can reduce this to 28-32 days, while economy options may extend to 38-42 days depending on the number of port calls along the route. German customs at Hamburg processes most commercial shipments within 48-72 hours after vessel arrival, though complex cargo or random inspections can add 1-2 additional days. Expedite your clearance by ensuring all documentation reaches your German customs broker at least 5 days before vessel arrival, and consider using AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) certified partners who receive priority processing.
Pricing
Container Options & Pricing
Transparent pricing for FCL and LCL shipments. All rates include standard handling.
| Carrier | 40GP (USD) | 40HQ (USD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSC | $1,650 | $1,650 | 47 days |
| Maersk | $1,700 | $1,700 | 49 days |
Pricing Disclaimer
These prices are subject to change based on market conditions, fuel surcharges, and seasonal demand. Contact us for the most up-to-date pricing and a customized quote for your specific shipment needs. Prices shown are for standard cargo and may vary for special cargo types.
Standard
20ft FCL
6.1m × 2.4m × 2.6m
Contact for pricing
Extra Height
40ft High Cube
12.2m × 2.4m × 2.9m
See 40HQ rates above
Less than Container
LCL Shipment
Per CBM
From $45/CBM
Custom
Special Cargo
Various
Get custom quote
Equipment
Container Types Available
20ft Dry Container
Standard general cargo container
40ft Dry Container
High capacity for large shipments
40ft High Cube
Extra height for bulky cargo
20ft Refrigerated
Temperature-controlled cargo
Open Top Container
For oversized cargo loading
Flat Rack Container
Heavy machinery and equipment
Track Record
Reliable Service
Our Xiamen to Hamburg corridor represents years of refined expertise and thousands of successful shipments.
15+
Years Experience
25K+
Containers Shipped
99.5%
On-Time Delivery
24/7
Support Available
Process
How Our Sea Freight Process Works
Quote & Booking
1-2 daysGet a customized quote and book your container.
Collection & Export
2-3 daysWe collect cargo and handle export documentation.
Ocean Transit
12-20 daysYour cargo travels safely across the ocean.
Port Handling
2-3 daysCustoms clearance and port procedures completed.
Final Delivery
1-2 daysCargo delivered to your specified destination.
Key Documents
See full documentation requirements below
Cargo Types
Popular Items on the Xiamen to Hamburg Route
The Xiamen to Hamburg route handles a diverse range of cargo. Here are the most commonly shipped items on this corridor:
Automotive
Battery technology, automotive sensors, and vehicle modules
Advanced Tech
Semiconductors, circuit boards, and telecom infrastructure
Industrial Machinery
CNC machines, automation robots, and hydraulic systems
Consumer Electronics
Hi-fi gear, computer screens, and smart home robots
Textiles
Clothing production and industrial fabric applications
Dangerous Goods
Lithium batteries and chemicals (requires MSDS documentation)
Documentation
Shipping Documents for the Xiamen to Hamburg Route
Every shipment to Germany requires proper paperwork. Here's what you need for sea freight from Xiamen to Hamburg.
Universal Requirements
Details weights, dimensions, and packaging specifications
Official record of goods, their value, and parties involved
Required for duty rate determination and trade agreements
Proof of the commercial agreement between buyer and seller
Sea Freight Requirements for Germany
EU Economic Operator Registration required for all imports
Entry Summary Declaration required under the ICS2 security system
Title document for ocean cargo - required for cargo release
Key Points for Germany
VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) is charged at import - typically 19%
German customs are strict on product compliance (CE marking, REACH)
Battery registration required for products containing batteries
Packaging regulations (VerpackG) require registration with LUCID
Customs
Import Clearance: Xiamen to Hamburg
The customs clearance process in Hamburg requires accurate documentation and regulatory compliance. With sea freight, you have weeks to prepare documentation, but errors can lead to significant daily storage fees (demurrage) at the port.
CE Marking Compliance
CE marking and German instruction manuals are mandatory. Non-compliant goods may be confiscated.
Einfuhrumsatzsteuer
Import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) is charged at 19% and must be paid before cargo release.
ENS Declaration
ENS filing ensures your cargo passes EU security protocols before entering Germany.
Key Germany Import Considerations
Product compliance (CE marking, REACH) is strictly enforced
Battery registration required for products containing batteries
19% import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) applies to all goods
Packaging registration (VerpackG) requires LUCID registration
Hazardous Materials
Germany Dangerous Goods Requirements
Germany has specific requirements for dangerous goods in addition to international IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) standards. Sea freight allows larger quantities but requires careful planning for extended transit times.
Universal Requirements for All DG Shipments
Complete the formal declaration document with shipper signature certifying DG compliance
Provide a phone number (with country code) manned 24/7 by someone familiar with the cargo details
Packaging must display valid UN certification matching the dangerous goods classification
Material Safety Data Sheet required in English and Chinese, dated within the last 12 months
Sea Freight DG Rules for Germany
Hamburg/Bremerhaven Entry
Most China-to-Germany DG enters via Hamburg or Bremerhaven ports.
GHS German Language Labels
German-language GHS compliance is mandatory for dangerous goods entering the retail market.
Technical Documentation
Be prepared to provide detailed technical files supporting your DG classification.
Key Points for Germany Hazmat
Overpack labeling requires minimum 12mm letter height
GHS labels must be in German for domestic sales
Frankfurt (FRA) is the main air cargo DG hub
Hamburg and Bremerhaven are primary DG ports
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight take from Xiamen to Hamburg?
Sea freight from Xiamen to Hamburg typically takes 30-35 days for port-to-port transit. Actual delivery time may vary by 2-5 days depending on vessel schedules, customs clearance, and final delivery arrangements.
What is the estimated cost of shipping a container from Xiamen to Hamburg?
The estimated cost of shipping a 40ft container from Xiamen to Hamburg ranges from $1,650 to $1,700 depending on the carrier and service level. LCL rates typically start around $45-85 per CBM. Contact us for current rates and a customized quote.
Should I choose FCL or LCL for my Xiamen to Hamburg shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Xiamen to Hamburg shipment depends on cargo volume. FCL (Full Container Load) is more cost-effective for shipments over 15 CBM, while LCL (Less than Container Load) is better for smaller volumes under 10 CBM. FCL also offers faster transit and lower risk of damage.
What documents do I need to ship from China to Germany?
Documents required to ship from China to Germany include: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, and customs declaration forms. Additional certificates may be required depending on your product type.
What factors can cause delays on the Xiamen to Hamburg route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Xiamen to Hamburg route include port congestion, adverse weather conditions, customs inspections, incomplete documentation, and peak season volume. Planning ahead and ensuring accurate documentation helps minimize delays.
Which port in Fujian should I choose for the fastest service to Hamburg?
For the fastest sea freight service to Hamburg, Xiamen is an excellent choice with 30-35 days transit time. This port offers regular services with reliable transit times.
Are there direct sea freight services from Xiamen to Hamburg?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Xiamen to Hamburg offered by major carriers including COSCO, MSC, Maersk, and Evergreen. Direct services provide the fastest transit times of 30-35 days. Transshipment options via hub ports may also be available at competitive rates.
How can I calculate import duty from Xiamen, Fujian to Hamburg?
Import duty from Xiamen to Hamburg is calculated based on the HS code of your goods, the declared value (CIF), and Germany's tariff rates. Germany applies duties based on product classification. A customs broker can provide accurate duty estimates.
Do I need insurance to ship from Xiamen, Fujian to Hamburg?
Insurance for shipping from Xiamen to Hamburg is highly recommended though not legally required. Marine cargo insurance typically costs 0.3-0.5% of cargo value and covers loss or damage during transit. Given the 30-35-day journey, insurance provides valuable protection against unforeseen events.
What factors affect the cost of shipping from Xiamen to Hamburg?
The cost of shipping from Xiamen to Hamburg is affected by container type and size, cargo weight and volume, fuel surcharges, seasonal demand, carrier selection, and additional services like customs clearance. Peak seasons (August-October) typically see higher rates due to increased demand.
What is the best way to track my shipment from Xiamen to Hamburg?
The best way to track your shipment from Xiamen to Hamburg is through our online tracking portal using your Bill of Lading number. You'll receive real-time updates on vessel location, estimated arrival, and customs status. Our team also provides proactive notifications for any schedule changes.
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